Welsh Liberal Democrats

The percentage of extra winter deaths in Wales last year was the highest in England and Wales, figures released today have shown. Wales had the highest Excess Winter Mortality (EWM) index in 2010/11.

It is the first time Wales has had the highest EWM index in England and Wales for over 20years.

There was an estimated 1,900 more deaths in Wales in the four months of winter 2010/11 than in the non-winter period. Wales' index of excess winter deaths increased by nearly 3% when compared to the previous year.

"In a civilized society, vulnerable people should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to heat their homes.

"Not a single person in Wales should be forced to live in a freezing home, which is why the Welsh Liberal Democrat manifesto committed the party to increase the resources available to tackle fuel poverty.

"The energy efficiency of homes in Wales needs to be radically overhauled as a matter of urgency. People are struggling to pay their ever increasing fuel bills and they are not getting the support they desperately need from the government."